Tony Franklin

The recent hire by Middle Tennessee of former Auburn and Troy OC Tony Franklin (photo, thanks, John Clay Sports) should pique the interest of every fantasy college football player for 2009.

Although Franklin was dumped by Auburn during the 2008 season, and subject to a lot of criticism for the offensive woes of the Tigers, do not base Franklin’s short time at Auburn in his ability or inability to run an offense.  There were, obviously, other reasons for the lack of success on The Plains in 2008…and AU soon sent head coach Tommy Tuberville packing as well.

Why you should be interested in the Franklin hire at MTSU,

Before his half-season at Auburn, Franklin ran the offense at Troy, just an Alabama country road down from Auburn.  While at Troy, Franklin was instrumental in converting an option-based Trojan ground game into a successful short-yardage passing attack, led by QB Omar Haugabook (something Auburn lacked in 2008…a decent QB).

The Troy offense was one of the best in the Sun Belt Conference while Franklin was OC…and was competitive against BCS-level schools…many of which enjoyed great advantages in size and speed over the Trojans.

While at Troy, Franklin’s offense was able to move the ball not only on Sun Belt foes, but also bowl-bound BCS-level teams like Oklahoma State and Georgia.

Why was Franklin successful at Troy, and not at Auburn?  The offensive talent at Auburn obviously was not very good…and that should not be hung on Franklin because of his half-season at that school.

Wonder what Franklin was thinking after that 3-2 Auburn win at Mississippi State last season….

With his hire at MT, Franklin will find himself back in the Sun Belt, competing against schools he is already familiar with.  Also, MT tends to recruit well in comparison to other Sun Belt schools…a trend that has been fostered by past head coach Andy McCollum and current head coach Rick Stockstill.

And, Franklin should find a QB in Dwight Dasher who will fit his system nicely.  Dasher has started many games during his Blue Raider career, and is reminiscent of Franklin protege Haugabook…only Dasher is a little more mobile.

The Franklin hire at Middle Tennessee will put some more offense into that program, and fantasy players who participate in leagues with non-BCS schools should take note.

Related posts:

1. “TRANSFERMERS”…2009 Eligible Division I FBS Transfers Of Note
2. Oregon and Auburn legitimize the spread offfense
3. SEC Preview: Auburn Tigers
4. 2009 SUN BELT ALL-FANTASY TEAM
5. Close encounters: Oregon and Auburn no longer national title bridesmaids

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